Productivity Tools – a Post-It note?

Productivity Tools – Harness your time management

Inc. Magazine recently sent out a call for “Most Bizarre and Effective Productivity Hacks.” (Hacks are “shortcuts.”) Just for kicks, I thought it would be bizarre to suggest a hack that relies on “old school” office supplies instead of modern technology.

This is the productivity tool I submitted:

I share this with my clients. It’s what I do to help fend off distractions.

I put a post-it note on my laptop with my objective and the time frame I want to work with focus. Then I set the timer on my cell phone.

Email indicators are turned off. If the phone rings or if someone walks in, I ask myself if letting them interrupt me will benefit me. If not, I ask them to come back at the end of my work block. If they will benefit me, I allow the interruption to happen, but tell the person that I only have 5 minutes to spare.

This can’t be done all day long, but it helps to have at least a couple of focused time blocks in the day to truly get things done.

Sometimes, going old school with your time management is very beneficial. Inc. Magazine thought so; they chose to post it as #1 on their Productivity Tools list in their article entitled, “7 Ways to Supercharge Your Productivity.”

For more productivity tools and tips from time management keynote speaker Helene Segura, click here.

About Author

Helene Segura fixes time. She teaches professionals on the go how to get control of their time management so they can do more in less time - and have a life outside of work. Helene delivers mind-bending time management keynotes and productivity workshops to associations, conferences, and businesses that want to increase revenue, lower stress levels and Kick Chaos to the Curb! The author of two Amazon best-selling books, Helene has been a featured productivity expert in over 100 media appearances including Inc., US News & World Report and Fox, ABC, NBC and CBS affiliates. In The Inefficiency Assassin’s spare time, she enjoys taste-testing new recipes, planning her next travel adventure, and playing boules with aperitif in hand.

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"Helene Segura fixes time." I teach professionals on the go how to get control of their time management so they can do more in less time - and have a life outside of work. As The Inefficiency Assassin, I deliver mind-bending time management keynotes and productivity workshops to associations, conferences, and businesses that want to increase revenue, lower stress levels and Kick Chaos to the Curb! The author of three books (two of which are Amazon best-sellers), I've been a featured productivity expert in more than 150 media appearances including Inc., US News & World Report and Fox, ABC, NBC and CBS affiliates. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, experimenting with recipes, occasionally correctly pairing food with wine, and trying not to shatter glass when I attempt to sing. I look forward to working with you!